The trial began on March 25 on the First District Court of Vitebsk and held behind closed doors. Make the process closed – an initiative Judge Andrew Preis. Learning about the judge's decision, Sergey Ryzhov proposed to make open court, but the judge disagreed. Sergey Ryzhov told the court diversion, but he was not accepted.

Although the courtroom was impossible to get a few people came to the building of the district court to find out about the trial. Among them – the human rights activist Paul Levinau:

"Before the trial began, Sergey Ryzhov had to report that during the first 19 days after his arrest, he was on hunger strike. This is contrary to previous statements of his friend, Igor Postnova doctor, who claimed that the life and health Ryzhov threatened by prolonged hunger strike, which he allegedly holds still. Looks Ryzhov not the best way – face haggard, unusually short haircut. Before starting the March 25 near the Pervomaisky district court were a lot of police in uniform and in civilian clothes – obviously they waited any protests or something similar. However, this process is extremely curious in Vitebsk citizens does not cause. "

Lawyer Sergei Ryzhov no details says, referring to a subscription to disclose. Friends Ryzhov know that he is on trial on charges of acts regulated by Article 167 ("Sexual assault"), Part 1, and Article 339 ("hooliganism"), part 1.

The Court examines the incident in Vitebsk detoxification center, where Sergey Ryzhov was the fall of 2013. He complained that he was beaten in the detoxification center staff, police, and they argued that Ryzhov hooligans and did not submit to their demands. But it is designated for 15 days in jail, he never left: left for Russia, where he stayed until mid-January. In the first days of his stay in Belarus arrested and placed in jail because of charges, which is now being tried.

Radio Liberty